EA's FIFA Euro 2012 is a download-only title

The inevitable licensed Euro 2012 title from EA Sports will be a digital-only release, MCV can reveal.

Furthermore, the game will skip a stand-alone release entirely and instead be made available as a DLC expansion for existing title FIFA 12.

Called EA Sports UEFA Euro 2012, the download includes all 53 UEFA member national teams and the eight official stadiums of the tournament.

As well as allowing users to play out the tournament, it will also offer Expedition Mode, which allows for the building and management of a custom national squad.

FIFA Virtual Pro mode will also make a return, as do the real-world themed Challenges and online multiplayer.

With FIFA 12 still selling strong, FIFA Street having fun near the top of the charts and an inevitable release of FIFA 13 at the end of September, EA likely felt that three boxed EA releases in a year is perhaps pushing the franchise and the established retail model too far.

It’s a big blow for the struggling High Street retail sector, as EA’s licensed summer football game has always proved a big hit with gamers.

UEFA Euro 2004 Portugal debuted at No.2 on for week ending May 8th 2004. It climbed to No.1 the following week where it stayed for two weeks and remained in Top Five until July 17th.

Two years later FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 entered the charts No.1, where it stayed for a month. After a brief fall it reclaimed the top spot in early June where it again reigned for a fortnight.

UEFA Euro 2008 Austria-Switzerland was a less successful outing, debuting at No.8 in the week ending April 19th 2008 and went on to spend several weeks in the lower reaches of the Top 20.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa debuted at No.1 in the first week of May 2010. It remained there for two weeks until it dislodged by Red Dead Redemption, though it stayed in the Top Five until the week ending July 17th.

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